Anthony Davis Trade Surprise
In a stunning turn of events, former Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis was on the verge of being traded to the Boston Celtics before the monumental deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Dallas Mavericks was finalized. This unexpected twist unfolded during the previous season, culminating in one of the most talked-about trades in NBA history.
A Shocking Deal
Los Angeles executed a trade that many observers deemed unforeseen, sending Davis, along with Max Christie and a first-round pick, to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic. This move was particularly striking given that Doncic, a player considered among the best in the league, had yet to reach his prime. The Lakers’ decision to part ways with a talent like Davis—a player with championship pedigree—left fans and analysts alike in disbelief.
Lakers’ Intentions Revealed
Initially, Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka framed the trade as an unplanned opportunity rather than an active effort to shop Davis around the league. However, recent insights from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints indicate that the Lakers had indeed been exploring options for Davis well before finalizing the Doncic trade.
“Of the teams that the Lakers spoke with when they were first putting out feelers for Davis, the Boston Celtics held a couple of calls with Los Angeles,” Siegel reported. While these discussions did not gain significant traction, the Lakers were receiving indications that Celtics president Brad Stevens and his front office were open to the idea.
The Celtics’ response to the Lakers was succinct but telling: “We’ll keep it in mind.” This brief message suggested that Boston was at least considering a potential trade, a sentiment reminiscent of their interest when Davis was first dealt from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019.
Celtics’ Financial Considerations
Before Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury during the playoffs, the Celtics were already signaling a desire to trim their roster costs in the offseason. This financial strategy could have potentially paved the way for the Celtics to pursue Davis. They had already taken significant steps by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, along with other assets, hinting that a substantial deal for Davis was not out of reach.
The landscape of the NBA continues to shift dramatically, and the possibility of an Anthony Davis trade to Boston adds another layer to the complex web of player movement in the league. As teams assess their rosters and consider their futures, the implications of these discussions will be felt as the offseason unfolds.
